Go Back
–+ servings
Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup Recipe

Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Recipe (Vietnamese Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup)

Canh khổ qua nhồi thịt (Vietnamese stuffed bitter melon soup) is a healthy Vietnamese delicacy with a fascinating flavor. If you've never had a chance to try bitter gourd, this recipe is the perfect place to start!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keyword: Canh Khổ Qua, Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt, Vietnamese Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup
Level of Difficulty: Medium
Dietary Preference: Dairy-Free, Gluten-free
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 432kcal

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Ladle
  • Knife
  • Chopping Board

Ingredients

  • 0.66 pounds ground pork
  • 0.44 pounds pork paste
  • 4 bitter melons
  • 1 medium or small carrot
  • 1 medium or small daikon
  • 10.5 cups pork bone broth
  • 1 ounce wood ear mushrooms
  • 1 onion
  • 1.8 ounces scallions
  • 1.8 ounces cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons soup powder
  • 5 teaspoons salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions 

  • Rinse the vegetables and let them dry. Soak the wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, mince them. Chop the cilantro, onion, and scallions into small pieces.
    Leave some scallion leaves intact to use as binders for the bitter melons. Cut the carrot into pieces or flower shapes. Chop the daikon into large pieces.
    Cut The Carrot Into Flower Shapes
  • Cut off both ends of the bitter melons. Slice them open lengthwise. Use a teaspoon or the handle of a tablespoon to remove the seeds.
    Remove The Seeds
  • Combine the ground pork with the pork paste, onion, and wood ear mushrooms. Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and ground pepper.
    Mix well using a spoon or your hand (remember to wear food prep gloves).
    Combine The Ground Pork
  • Fill the saucepan with water. Bring the water to a boil and add a little salt.
    Blanch the bitter melon along with a few whole scallion stalks. Once done, transfer them to an ice bath.
    Blanch The Bitter Melons
  • Stuff the filling into the bitter melons. Tie a scallion stalk around each bitter melon. Roll the unused filling into meatballs.
    Stuff The Bitter Melons
  • Pour pork bone broth into the stockpot and bring it to a boil. Once boiled, add all ingredients to the pot.
    Pork Bone Broth
  • Cook for 20 to 25 minutes on medium-low heat.
    Add Ingredients To The Pot
  • After 20 - 25 minutes, season the soup with soup powder, salt, and sugar.
    Add Seasoning To The Pot
  • Cook for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
    Turn Off The Heat
  • Sprinkle scallions, cilantro, and a little ground pepper on the soup. Enjoy!
    Serve Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup

Video

Notes

  • The total time is enough to make 4 servings.
  • You can adjust the seasonings of the meat filling to your preference.
  • Wait until the broth comes to a rolling boil to add the veggies and meatballs.
  • If you don't want to cook the bitter melons whole, feel free to cut them into pieces, then stuff them. Note that the filling is more likely to fall out this way.
  • Blanching the bitter melons is highly recommended but not a must.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 5324mg | Potassium: 1159mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3998IU | Vitamin C: 106mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 3mg